How to Buy Cryptocurrency: Your Guide to Buying Crypto

How to Buy Coin – Compare P2P, Payment Methods and Costs

Sep 01, 2025

Payment Methods: The Most Sensible Methods for Those Looking How to Buy Coin

  1. Introduction – why the question how to buy coin matters
  2. Buying with Bank Cards
  3. Bank Transfers
  4. P2P Trading
  5. E-wallets and Mobile Payments
  6. Gift Cards and Bitcoin ATMs
  7. Comparison Table of Methods
  8. FAQ

As the cryptocurrency world expands, more novice traders and investors are considering the possibility of entering the market and finding a straightforward and secure way to take their first step into the unknown. The question of how to buy coin is being asked more frequently, yet the main difficulty is not simply finding a specific coin you want to invest in, but understanding the operating principle behind it and selecting the most convenient, profitable, and safe way to purchase it. There are several options you can use – traditional bank cards or transfers, P2P platforms for trading, e-wallets, or even gift cards. Each of the approaches allows you to manage the process of how to buy coin efficiently, but comes with its pros and cons. As Investopedia experts point out, the reliability of the payment method when buying cryptocurrencies is just as vital as the choice of the coin itself, so it is worth carefully considering the available options.

1. Debit/Credit Bank Card
Probably the first payment option that comes to mind is using a debit/credit card for purchasing digital assets. Moreover, it is widely popular, specifically with beginner traders, who are just learning how to buy coin, as the process is simple and intuitive. Almost all major centralized exchanges and decentralized trading platforms accept Visa and MasterCard payments, and the speed of purchase is truly impressive, with coins appearing in your account in a matter of a few minutes. This payment method is ideal when you need to act quickly, especially during strong market movements.

Nonetheless, the speed and convenience come with a price, as transaction fees can sometimes reach as high as 3–5%. Some banks are still quite cautious about cryptocurrencies and can block or cancel transactions if the system considers the activity suspicious. The credit card method is ideal for smaller amounts and quick purchases, yet is utterly unprofitable for regular or long-term investments.

2. Bank Transfers
Bank transfers are also commonly used by traders of all levels, both on centralized platforms and P2P marketplaces. This is the popular choice among traders who value low costs and reliability. Depending on your place of residence, various bank payment solutions exist, and the transfer fees are usually minimal or, in some cases, even non-existent. For this reason, this particularly safe payment method is quite attractive for those who want to purchase crypto in larger amounts.

However, the downside is that bank transfers take a longer processing timeб and can last from one to three or four business days, depending on the banking facility. For traders who need to be an “early bird” and catch the worm, this can become quite inconvenient. Still, this is considered one of the most reliable and secure methods of money transfer and is suitable for long-term investors.

3. Peer-to-Peer Trading
The peer-to-peer trading format involves direct exchange of digital assets between users within a special P2P trading space, and this is an ideal option for traders who value their privacy and flexibility. Typically, P2P platforms offer dozens of available payment methods such as bank cards and transfers, digital wallets, instant payment systems, etc. Peer-to-peer is especially widespread in regions with limited access to centralized trading entities or unstable banking infrastructure.

Of course, the main advantage of P2P platforms is the freedom of choice and the variety of offers. Still, there is a drawback: the risk of encountering scammers is much higher. Therefore, it is strongly advised to choose a reliable platform with advanced security measures, spend time reading reviews, and initiate deals only with verified users with proper feedback. For those who are willing to put in some effort and learn the rules of safety, P2P can be a truly beneficial discovery.

4. E-Wallets and Mobile Payment Systems
Popular electronic payment systems such as Google Pay or PayPal are gradually integrating into the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Those seeking how to buy coin efficiently may find using these payment solutions easy and convenient, and more and more exchanges are incorporating them. The convenience is very obvious: there is no need to enter card details, and the payment is made with a password or biometrics in just a few clicks.

An obvious disadvantage is that these methods are not yet supported by all exchanges, and the fees can be higher than for regular bank transfers. Nevertheless, this option is the best choice for traders who value mobility and wish to purchase assets effortlessly and “on the go.”

5. Gift Cards and Bitcoin ATMs
Probably a less obvious method of how to buy coin is purchasing assets via Bitcoin ATMs or gift cards. The operational principle of a gift card is simple – you enter the code to purchase crypto online; Bitcoin ATMs allow you to pay for coins using your bank card or cash. These methods are perfect for people who prefer to stay anonymous, yet the commissions for ATMs are relatively high, in some regions even reaching 20%, and the availability of such terminals is also limited. Both these methods serve more as supplements and are unlikely to be suitable for regular crypto-related purchases.

Comparison of Payment Methods for How to Buy Coin

MethodSpeed of PurchaseFeesRisk LevelEase of Use
Card (Visa/MasterCard)Within minutes3–5 %MediumVery easy
Bank transfer1–3 business daysLowLowBest for large sums
P2P tradingA few hoursMediumAbove averageHighly flexible
E-walletsAlmost instantMediumMediumConvenient if supported
Gift Cards / Bitcoin ATMInstantVery highMediumLimited availability

There is no universal answer to the question of how to buy coin, as the process mostly depends on your financial goals, the amount of funds you are willing to invest, and your desire to take certain related risks. Bank cards and e-wallets offer convenience and speed, bank transfers have lower fees and are secure, peer-to-peer offers flexibility and access to unique deals, while gift cards and ATMs are suited for special occasions.

The main tip is to choose a payment method that corresponds with your needs, but you must always prioritize security over speed, as this is the only way to ensure that the process of how to buy coin is not stressful and you are making your first confident step into the world of digital finance. If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the world of digital currencies and you seek practical answers to questions such as how to buy coin, visit Ellyx, where we regularly publish fresh analytical materials and market reviews.

FAQ

1. What is the fastest way how to buy coin?
The fastest method of purchasing cryptocurrency is to buy assets with a bank card or via an e-wallet; the coin will be credited to your account in a few minutes.
2. What is the safest method for a novice trader?
Novice traders prefer a bank transfer as the safest option. This method has low transaction fees, and the risk of fraud is reduced to a minimum. However, the processing time might reach several days.
3. Is it possible to save on commissions when buying cryptocurrency?
Yes, it is. To do this, it is worth comparing different payment methods, using bank transfers for large amounts, and choosing platforms with transparent commissions.